People in the industrial, construction, and retail industries are accustomed to using heavy equipment to perform their jobs. Forklifts, pallet jacks, cranes, ladders, chainsaws, and other types of equipment are all a part of work, and when used properly, are a major component to many worksites. However, the equipment many workers use does not always operate as expected.
If you were harmed by a piece of heavy equipment at your job, you may want to consider filing a lawsuit against the liable party with the help of a Charleston equipment injuries lawyer.
If you are partially or fully responsible for the accident, it may be wise to file for worker’s compensation, which could provide you with a portion of your income on a monthly basis. However, if your employer is guilty of gross negligence, it may be beneficial to file a personal injury lawsuit against them. Contact an experienced attorney today.
Common Heavy Equipment Accidents
There are many dangers posed by heavy equipment, and legally, employers are responsible for taking reasonable measures to reduce the number of hazards their employees are exposed to. Such measures involve providing adequate safety equipment and training and ensuring all employees understand and adhere to OSHA regulations and laws.
However, even when adhering to OSHA regulations, accidents may occur. Some of the most common heavy equipment accidents involve:
- Vehicles running over employees
- Falls from great heights
- Burns or electrocution
- Drowning
- Falling items crushing employees
While these accidents are unfortunate, many of them are preventable when taking basic safety precautions.
Injuries Caused by Heavy Equipment
Heavy equipment injuries are often devastating, especially when they cause extensive bodily harm and pain. Some injuries are undoubtedly worse than others, but they all leave a lasting physical and psychological impact on an employee who was only trying to do their job.
Common equipment injuries include broken bones, burns, concussions, and lacerations. While injuries eventually heal, they are still costly to treat.
Other types of injuries are debilitating and life-changing, preventing an employee from living the life they lived prior to the accident or returning to work. Such injuries often result from internal organ damage, severe burns, loss of limbs, brain trauma, and spinal cord damage. These injuries are likely to be sustained during serious accidents and often require years of medical care and rehabilitation. Victims of these accidents need to work with a Charleston equipment injuries lawyer for help holding irresponsible parties accountable.
Faulty Equipment
Faulty equipment occasionally makes its way to the market, harming consumers in a myriad of ways. Such equipment should never be marketed or sold, and if equipment harms consumers, its manufacturers should be held legally liable by a Charleston equipment injuries lawyer. Faulty equipment is often dangerous for one or more of the following reasons:
- Flaws in the equipment design stage
- Flaws during the manufacturing process
- Failure to warn consumers about the potential dangers of a product
If an employee is harmed by faulty equipment, they typically cannot sue their employer. Instead, they could file a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer of the equipment.
Reach Out to a Charleston Equipment Injuries Lawyer
If you were injured by a piece of heavy equipment at work, you may be able to file a worker’s compensation claim or a lawsuit. The type of lawsuit you file would depend on the circumstances surrounding your case, and more than likely, require the help of an experienced attorney with a personal injury or product liability background.
Reach out to a Charleston equipment injuries lawyer to learn more.
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